Canine First Aid

June is Pet awareness month and good thing it is, as summer always seems to be the busiest season for pet injuries and or afflictions. Today we’re going to talking about First Aid for your dog.

What would you do if your dog needed emergency care out at camp or on a trip? Would you be prepared? Would you even know what to do? Below, we have listed some things that would be good to have on standby, if you ever needed them. Keep A First Aid Kit – Suggested items for your kit’s contents:

• Gauze pads, gauze rolls (can be used for muzzling and bandaging)
• Cotton padding, cotton balls (can be used for wiping and bandaging)
• Q-tips
• Thermometer (digital is easiest and safest to use rectally)
• Petroleum jelly or Lubricating jelly (for thermometer & keeps wounds clean)
• Tweezers
• Blunt tip bandage scissors
• Hydrogen peroxide – 10mls every 15 minutes to induce vomiting
• Antibiotic soap to clean cuts and scrapes
• Artificial tear drops/gel
• Rubber/latex gloves
• Syringe or rubber ear bulb for flushing wounds
• Vetwrap or another self-adhesive bandage
• Adhesive tape
• Blanket
• Hot/cold compress packs
• Muzzle (do not use if a dog is vomiting)
• Absorbent feminine pads to help control bleeding from wounds
• Lists of meds your pet is currently taking
• List of any possible drug interactions your dog may have
• Emergency numbers 705-671-3949 – or your regular vet’s phone number

For our complete first aid booklet with extensive information on what to do if your pet gets into an emergency, please pick up our Canine 1st Aid booklet at our reception for a small donation of $5.00 or more toward our Oscar Foundation Fund.

Written by: Jennifer, Receptionist